Not everybody enjoys digging up old coins and soda caps. But the avid detectorist in you understands the thrills of the great hobby and the beautiful perks in case you hit something of value.
However, if you plan to get started for fun or otherwise, you might want to go for entry-level detectors. You should note, however, that most of these entry-level detectors might not have the bells and whistles you would find in their high-end counterparts.
Some detectors offer full submersion, pulse-induction technology or simultaneous multi-frequency operation. Those are separate capabilities: a higher price alone does not establish suitability for diving or wet saltwater beaches.
For a budget of $300, compare the exact detector, searchcoil and included accessories. Prices and bundles change, so check the selected offer and delivery costs before buying.
The models below are budget options to compare when their current offers fit your $300 limit. None guarantees valuable finds or a fixed detection depth in every soil.
Best metal detector under $300 reviews
1. Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector
The Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro is a general-purpose detector with an 11-inch DD searchcoil and ground-adjustment controls. It is an alternative to consider when you want more ground-balance control than the two preset-ground models below.
Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro — 11-Inch DD Coil
- 11-inch waterproof DD searchcoil; keep the control housing dry.
- Seven search modes, 1–99 target ID and pinpoint.
- Ground Grab and manual ground adjustment in the modes specified by the manufacturer.
The LCD shows a probable target ID from 1 to 99, based on the detected response. Similar objects can give overlapping readings, so the number does not establish the buried object’s composition or value.
Seven modes include All Metal, three preset programs for coins, jewelry and artifacts, and three discrimination modes with different audio responses. Use the Land Ranger Pro manual to learn the controls and practise with known targets.
Ground Grab matches the detector’s ground setting to the soil when used as instructed; manual ground adjustment is also available. These controls compensate for mineral responses, rather than physically balancing the detector. Ground Grab is available in All Metal and Disc 2, 3 and 4; the coin, jewelry and artifact programs use a fixed ground setting.
Discrimination, notch and V-Break controls help customize which signals are heard and how they sound. Rejecting a category can also reject desirable objects with a similar response; no setting guarantees that every coin will be found while every piece of trash is ignored.
The pinpoint function helps narrow the target’s location. Detection depth varies with soil, target size, orientation and interference. The depth display is calibrated for coin-sized objects, and readings for larger or irregular targets can be misleading.
The 11-inch DD searchcoil is waterproof, but the control housing is not. Keep the housing dry and do not use the detector as a fully submersible diving model.
Best metal lathe for beginners
Strengths
- Ground Grab and manual ground-adjustment options
- Seven search modes and customizable discrimination
- 1–99 numeric target readout
- 11-inch DD coil and pinpoint function
Limitations
- Ground-adjustment controls are not available in every preset program
- Control housing must be kept dry
2. Garrett ACE 300
The Garrett ACE 300 is a single-frequency detector with a 7-by-10-inch concentric PROformance searchcoil. The selected Amazon bundle includes a carry bag and searchcoil cover; check its current contents before ordering.
Garrett ACE 300 — Carry Bag and Coil Cover Bundle
- 8 kHz detector with 7-by-10-inch concentric PROformance coil.
- 0–99 target ID, five search modes and pinpoint; preset ground balance.
- Selected bundle includes carry bag and searchcoil cover; control box is not submersible.
Its controls include adjustable sensitivity, discrimination and an electronic pinpoint function.
A 0–99 target ID indicates conductivity. Four iron-discrimination segments provide more separation within the iron range than the ACE 250’s two segments.
The operating frequency is 8 kHz. Its frequency adjustment helps reduce interference from electrical sources or other detectors; it is not simultaneous multi-frequency operation.
The five search modes are Zero-Disc, Jewelry, Custom, Relics and Coins, with a separate pinpoint function. Only the searchcoil is submersible; keep the control box dry.
The ACE 300 uses preset ground balance without user adjustment. Highly mineralized ground and wet salt sand can produce false signals or reduced performance; it is not a universal beach detector.
Strengths
- Five search modes plus pinpoint
- 0–99 target ID
- 7-by-10-inch concentric searchcoil
- Four iron-discrimination segments
Limitations
- No ground balance adjustment.
3. Teknetics Eurotek Pro
The selected Teknetics Eurotek Pro has an 8-inch concentric searchcoil and provides adjustable iron audio and discrimination for sorting signals in iron-littered sites. That is different from compensating for heavily mineralized soil.
Teknetics Eurotek Pro — 8-Inch Concentric Coil
- 8-inch waterproof concentric searchcoil and 7.81 kHz operation.
- 1–99 target ID and adjustable iron audio.
- Preset ground elimination; keep the control housing dry.
Teknetics is a First Texas Products brand. The Eurotek Pro operates at 7.81 kHz and uses a two-digit target scale from 1 to 99.
The S-shaped stem and adjustable length are handling features. They do not change ground compensation or ensure fatigue-free use.
The Eurotek Pro has preset ground elimination with no user ground-balance adjustment. Its FeTone control changes iron-signal volume; it does not remove all ground interference or guarantee more coin finds.
Check replacement coils against the manufacturer’s compatible part numbers rather than assuming every Gamma, Omega or Delta coil will fit. Follow the assembly instructions for the selected model.
The manufacturer lists the detector as not weatherproof, although its searchcoil is waterproof. Keep the control housing dry and do not submerge it.
Strengths
- Adjustable iron-audio volume
- 1–99 numeric target ID
- No-motion pinpoint function
- Adjustable stem length
Limitations
- Preset ground elimination cannot be manually tuned for difficult ground
- Control housing is not weatherproof
If you are looking to get started on your prospecting mission, you might want to purchase a cheaper metal detector. However, it isn’t easy to find the right fit given the number of brands out there fighting for your attention and money.
Compare the features of these metal detectors for a $300 budget against your intended ground conditions and the exact current bundle price.
The Land Ranger Pro offers an 11-inch DD coil and Ground Grab/manual ground adjustment in its supported modes. Its depth indication is an estimate for coin-sized objects, not a promise of how deeply every target can be found.
The ACE 300 combines an 8 kHz operating frequency with a 0–99 conductivity display. The Eurotek Pro offers adjustable iron audio and a 1–99 display, but its preset ground elimination should not be confused with adjustable ground balance.